Tech Industry Luncheon: TRAIGA and How It Affects You

Description

While the federal government has been slow to pass comprehensive laws around AI, Texas — one of the world’s largest economies — has stepped in to set its own "rules of the road."

The Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) was signed into law in June 2025 and officially went into effect on January 1, 2026. It is one of the most significant pieces of state-level AI legislation in the country and represents a major shift in how the United States regulates artificial intelligence. Because Texas is such a massive market, TRAIGA creates a "de facto" national standard.

Join us for insight on TRAIGA and how it will impact businesses developing or deploying AI systems. 

Moderator:
Dr. Mark O’Hair – AI Research Project Manager, SMU
Dr. O’Hair is an applied technology innovator whose work focuses on the development of intelligent sensing and classification systems, including patented radar technologies that use advanced computational models to detect, identify, and map materials in complex environments. His contributions reflect a practical form of AI development, translating sensor data into real‑time, automated insights for maritime, environmental, and infrastructure applications.
 
Panelists:
Russ Pearlman – CIO, Dallas College
Russ is the Chief Information Officer at Dallas College and a trained attorney, bringing together executive technology leadership and a law degree to guide large scale digital and AI-driven transformation in higher education. He was recently named the 2026 DallasCIO Large Corporate ORBIE Award winner, recognizing his peer validated excellence in technology leadership and organizational impact.

Robert Taylor – AI Counsel, Carstens, Allen & Gourley, LLP
Robert is a technology focused attorney at Carstens, Allen & Gourley, LLP, where he advises organizations on cybersecurity, data privacy, and artificial intelligence related legal issues, including governance, risk management, and the responsible deployment of emerging technologies

Peter Vogel – General Counsel, ISSA/Attorney, Vogel IT Law
Peter is a nationally recognized IT and eCommerce attorney, mediator, and court-appointed neutral with more than 30 years of experience advising organizations at the intersection of law, technology, and business. In addition to his private practice, Peter serves the profession as a Member of the State Bar of Texas Taskforce for Responsible AI in the Law (TRAIL), where he helps shape ethical guidance and practical standards for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in legal practice across Texas.

Nick James – Founder, Whiteglove AI
Nick is the Founder & CEO of Whiteglove.AI, where he leads the company’s mission to help public organizations adopt artificial intelligence securely, responsibly, and at scale through managed AI services and strong governance frameworks.